Can I plug this directly into my desktop pc's sound card? Would the omni or cardioid be better for extraneous noise reduction?

No, it needs 1.5-9volts power. Notice most comments mention using a Zoom H1 or like. Those are battery-powered digital recorders, and provide power to the mic input, which makes the mic work. Cardioid is better for extraneous noise reduction because it rejects surrounding noise. I have this mic in omni, and for talking head videos, it's the best. Cardioid would be better for outside recording where there is ambient noises.

Giant Squid Omnidirectional Mono Microphone

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